Projets novateurs réalisés

Identification of transcription factors involved in cannabinoid biosynthesis and glandular trichome formation

As an important medicinal plant, Cannabis sativa produces bioactive molecules that provide symptom relief for
conditions such as severe cancer pain, nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy. The cannabinoid
biosynthetic pathway that generates bioactive molecules has been studied for over a decade. However, understanding
of transcriptional regulators that control cannabinoid synthesis is fairly limited. The primary site of cannabinoid
biosynthesis is glandular trichomes that form on female flowers. Transcription factors have been shown to play a role
of importance in trichome formation and development in model plant Arabidopsis and a closely-related species
Humulus. The underling regulation mechanisms of cannabis trichome formation remain ambiguous. If the regulatory
network controlling cannabinoids synthesis can be well established, it will open the door to modify or breed marijuana
plants for improved pharmacological properties. Identifying transcription factors that involved in cannabinoid
biosynthesis and glandular trichome formation will enrich the knowledge for biotechnological modification of
cannabis.

Cultivating a Thriving Workforce at St. Joesph’s Health Centre of Sudbury

The Cultivating a Thriving Workforce project at St. Joseph’s Health Centre of Sudbury project aims to address the critical health human resources staffing crisis through a comprehensive three-phase approach. The project will evaluate recruitment effectiveness, define and communicate a compelling Employee Value Proposition (EVP), and develop a human capital workforce planning strategy. Expected benefits include data-informed recruitment improvements, enhanced employer branding aligned with organizational culture, and strategic workforce planning to address skill gaps and future needs. Key deliverables include a Recruitment Evaluation Report, Needs Assessment Scope, draft EVP with communication strategy, and Phase 1 of a Human Capital Workforce Planning Framework. This initiative directly supports the organization’s 2025-2029 Strategic Direction to “Cultivate a thriving workforce” while providing practical solutions to workforce shortages during a time of significant organizational growth across their multiple healthcare facilities.

Developing a Data-Driven Supply Chain Dashboard for Kisaan Die Tech (KDT): Enhancing Visibility, Forecasting, and Operational Efficiency

The proposed project aims to develop a robust, data-driven supply chain dashboard for Kisaan Die Tech (KDT) to enhance visibility, improve decision-making, and align production schedules with customer demand. The dashboard will integrate data from multiple sources, optimize inventory levels, and enhance cash flow management, addressing challenges related to overseas supplier lead time, transit time, and manufacturing lead time. By improving supply chain efficiency, the project will help KDT minimize delays, reduce inventory costs, and streamline operations, ultimately supporting their global manufacturing processes and increasing competitiveness. This solution will provide KDT with a strategic tool that not only improves operational efficiency but also strengthens their market position in various industries.

Identifying Tissue Protective Probiotics and Their Immunomodulatory Properties

The gut microbiota, a complex community of microorganisms residing within the digestive tract, plays a significant role in modulating host immune responses. This project aims to identify specific gut microbial species that influence the immune response and elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms involved. To study these microbe-host interactions, mice cells will be exposed to different microorganisms, subsequently quantifying their release of signaling molecules, i.e. cytokines. A particular focus will be placed on the cytokine interferon-gamma because it has recently been discovered that this signaling molecule is involved in an additional mechanism to protect the host by improving disease tolerance.
In cooperation with Lallemand Health Solutions, a company specializing in probiotic development, this research will contribute to the refinement of existing probiotic formulations and the development of novel probiotic products. These advancements are expected to enhance Lallemand’s product portfolio and potentially contribute to improved human health.

Manitoba League for Persons with Disabilities Development

This project will help MLPD redevelop and improve accessibility audit materials and expand their work to include partnerships with Indigenous communities

Integrated Innovation Project: Digital Marketing, AI, and U.S. Expansion

Collins Executive Search (CES) is a small, specialized firm focused on executive-level placements across industries. While the firm has a strong reputation in Canada, its limited digital presence—including an outdated website, minimal social media activity, and no structured digital marketing—has constrained growth, particularly in the U.S. market.

This project has five key components:

1. AI-Driven Process Innovation:
AI tools such as Power Automate and Power BI will be integrated into CES’s CRM system to centralize client data, automate routine administrative tasks, and generate actionable insights. These enhancements will improve efficiency, reduce turnaround time, and enhance the client experience. AI will also be applied to candidate sourcing and screening to streamline workflows and increase productivity.

2. AI-Enhanced Outreach:
AI-powered email marketing platforms will segment audiences and personalize outreach based on user behavior, improving engagement rates. AI chatbots will be deployed on the website to offer real-time support for candidates and clients, improving user experience and lead conversion.

3. Digital Marketing Strategy:
The intern will develop a digital marketing strategy that includes an audit of CES’s digital footprint, target audience profiling, SEO improvements, social media campaigns, and content creation to enhance visibility and build brand authority.

4. Website Revamp:
The CES website will be redesigned for modern usability, including intuitive navigation and SEO optimization. AI-enabled features like chatbots and analytics dashboards will support user engagement and continuous improvement.

5. Strategic U.S. Expansion Plan:
Through market research, this project will identify high-potential U.S. regions and industries. The intern will deliver a roadmap covering regulatory considerations, service localization, and targeted outreach to support CES’s US expansion plans.

Effects of Mobile Technologies on Emergency Response

Workplace incidents usually need to be reported and it is important to ensure that they are resolved in a timely manner. To understand the procedures involved in an emergency response to a workplace incident, we have started investigating the existing practices of the McGill University Safety office by interviewing their personnel. We focused our investigation on chemical spills that occur in the workplace, and found potential areas of improvement in their practices. These potential areas of improvement can be addressed by mobile sensing. Therefore, we intend to develop a mobile application to provide the first responders with instantaneous and ubiquitous access to the requisite information in the lab or adjoining labs in order to improve context awareness and lab safety. Our proposed solution needs to be designed, implemented, and tested with users before being deployed as a tool to assist in this use context.

Oak Table Development

JustCity Oak Table (Oak Table) is a non-profit organization in Winnipeg that operates a community outreach center that provides marginalized community members with hospitality, advocacy, and culturally relevant support. Serving between 100 and 150 guests daily, many of whom are Indigenous, experiencing homelessness or coping with mental illness. Oak Table provides individuals with a safe space, healthy meals, supplies, and a sense of community. This program will provide Oak Table with support in their everyday functions, increase community engagement and assist in delivering and planning events for the community.

Communications and Networking Internship for The Heartwood Healing Centre

The proposed project is to aid the Heartwood Healing center, a therapy center that supports individuals affected by childhood sexual abuse. The project aims to grow the centers communications efforts by enhancing its online engagement, hosting community events and forming new partnerships with other organizations. By expanding their reach and collaborations, the project will allow Heartwood to sustain its operations and continue serving those affected by trauma effectively.

Inclusivity in Action: Building an Accessible Brand

Main activities: For over 65 years, Bellwoods has supported adults with physical disabilities to live independently. We offer affordable, wheelchair-accessible housing across Toronto, as well as community-based home services. Bellwoods’ staff support clients with daily living activities, including light chores, hygiene, and meal prep, empowering those with disabilities to live independently. The intern will join Bellwoods’ communications department, which leads strategic internal and external communications.

Challenges: Bellwoods does not have formal brand guidelines to inform inclusive communications and design. Without these guidelines, we do not have templates to help us adhere to the inclusive branding standards set out in the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), such as print sizes, high-contrast colour palettes and screen-reader compatibility. Right now, Bellwoods spends significant time and energy working to create consistent, inclusive communications materials on an ad-hoc basis. We lack brand recognition and struggle to consistently connect with our staff and clients.

Optimization and scale up of seaweed preservation and biorefinery, and validation of bioplastic compostability

The partner, PhyCo, is a marine biotechnology startup specializing in the development of sustainable, seaweed-based bioplastics for agricultural applications. The company collaborates with the Verschuren Centre for product development, including seaweed bioprocessing and extrusion methods for seaweed-derived biomaterials. The main activity of the partner involves exploring proprietary biorefinery (multi-step extraction) technologies, developing bioplastic formulations, and transitioning benchwork methods to scalable processes. Additional activities include the analytical analyses, pilot-scale trials, development of seaweed preservation methods (at ambient temperature), and biodegradability assessments. The partner aims to achieve efficient extraction of valuable seaweed biomaterials using environmentally friendly, energy reduction methods while minimizing operational costs. These biomaterials must integrate seamlessly into a twinscrew extruder with ease and consistency. Formulation optimization is required to mimic polyethylene in terms of mechanical properties (e.g., flexibility, tensile strength) to meet market demands, and with rapid biodegradation in a home-compost, preventing residual microplastics. The project is anticipated to yield significant economic and environmental benefits, including the development of innovative, eco-friendly plastic alternatives, increased scalability of production processes, and reduced carbon footprints (GHG emissions). It will support the partner in creating jobs and market reach. The collaboration will contribute to advancements in industry bottlenecks (with seaweed processing), biomaterials science research, improving patent potential, and commercial capabilities.

Demande SSE | Azer Khelifa

Ce projet vise à explorer comment des agents d’intelligence artificielle (IA), enrichis par des bases de connaissances externes (RAG), peuvent automatiser ou améliorer certaines tâches en marketing numérique. En combinant raisonnement, outils numériques et données, ces agents IA deviennent de puissants assistants. L’objectif : démontrer leur utilité concrète, tout en adoptant une approche responsable face aux enjeux éthiques et environnementaux liés à l’IA. Ce projet permet aussi de développer des compétences de pointe en IA générative et en conception de systèmes intelligents.